3M is proud to be

an educational

partner with the

American Lung

Association Health

House® program

breathe easiertips for creating a healthier home

HOME

3M and the American Lung Association Health

House® program are partnering to educate

consumers about ways they can improve

home air quality. 3M is a founding partner of the

American Lung Association Health House program.

The goal of the American Lung Association

Health House program is to raise the standard for

healthier home environments. This is accomplished

through national demonstration homes; consumer,

builder, and site inspector training programs; and

educational partnerships and alliances. Health

House demonstration homes are designed with an

emphasis on improving air quality and are built with

special considerations for the indoor and outdoor

environment. Filtrete™ Filters from 3M are used in

Health House national demonstration sites.

care about air

3M and the American Lung Association Health House program do not intendany of the tips in this booklet to be construed as medical advice or serve asa substitute for medical treatment or consultation. The American LungAssociation Health House program does not endorse products.

This booklet is a publication of 3M

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA), many people spend as much as 90 percent of

their time indoors. An EPA study indicates that indoor

air pollution levels may be two to five times higher—and

occasionally more than 100 times higher—than outdoor

levels. As a result, the EPA has identified indoor air

pollution as one of the top five urgent environmental

risks to public health.

Exposure to indoor air pollutants—smoke, dust, pet

dander, mold, and other pollutants—can pose serious

health risks and can contribute to respiratory disease,

asthma and even lung cancer. The good news is that

you can significantly reduce, and even eliminate, many

causes of indoor air pollution. By following the tips

outlined in this booklet, you’ll improve the air quality

inside your home and breathe easier.

These tips are also available on theFiltrete Web site at www.Filtrete.com

and the American Lung Association Health House® program.

DID YOU KNOW?

The EPA has

identified indoor air

pollution as one of

the top five urgent

environmental risks

to public health.

Know What You’re Breathing

The air in your home can contain a variety of allergens,

particles and chemicals that, if inhaled, can cause

discomfort or illness. Preventing the conditions that

contribute to these pollutants is the first step to

reducing their presence. Regular and thorough

cleaning of places where allergy-causing substances

are likely to accumulate will keep them at a minimum.

And a well-maintained air filtration system can help

reduce remaining indoor air pollutants.

Reduce the Effects of Mold

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp or very humid

areas and generates spores that can produce allergic

reactions. Because the spores are common in the air

around us, the best way to reduce mold is to prevent

the moist environment in which it grows. Damp

basements are a frequent problem, so take steps to

keep them dry. Another problem area is the soil of

houseplants; avoid over-watering and watch for mold.

If mold appears, re-pot the plants in clean soil or

move them outdoors.

improve indoor air

A Word to Pet Lovers

Pet dander (skin flakes, similar to human dandruff)

can trigger allergies, so bathe and groom pets and

their bedding often to remove dander. Minimize your

pet’s access to carpeted areas where dander can

hide. Also, keep pets away from the bedrooms of

anyone with asthma or allergies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cat dander may

remain on walls and

ceilings months, or even

years, after the animal

has left the house.

Keep Dust Down

If someone in your household has allergies or

asthma, be especially wary of dust. Dry mopping

or dusting merely scatters dust into the air. A damp

cloth or mop works better. Because window coverings

can be dust magnets, choose shades or blinds

made of plastic or other washable materials, allowing

easy cleaning.

No Place to Hide

Choose smooth flooring materials like tile, vinyl or

wood, which are easy to keep clean. If you do use

carpeting, select a product with shorter nap, which

will hold fewer particles, or rugs that can be removed

for cleaning.

clear the air

Big Problems from Tiny Mites

Dust mites can create severe allergic reactions. The

mites, which are too small to see with the naked eye,

thrive on dust and in bedding. Avoid feather pillows

and down comforters for individuals with asthma or

allergies. Wash bedding weekly at a hot setting (at

least 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Use allergen-resistant

covers on items that cannot be washed, such as

pillows and mattresses.DID YOU KNOW?

The average

double mattress can

host up to 2 million

dust mites.

Avoid Extremes

As mentioned earlier, a damp environment can

promote the growth of mold. Conversely, air that

is too dry allows the spread of viruses and bacteria

that cause respiratory infections. The ideal range

for indoor humidity is 30 to 60 percent, depending

on location, season and your physician’s

recommendation.

Stamp Out Damp

Moisture can be generated by everyday activities like

washing and showering. These activities—typically in

the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room—can create

large amounts of water vapor. Install exhaust fans over

your kitchen range and in your bathrooms. If your

basement is damp, consider using a dehumidifier.

DID YOU KNOW?

Condensation on

the insides of

windows can be an

indication of high

indoor humidity.

control humidity

Effective Venting

Install vents where they can capture the most

moisture. Bathroom exhaust fans in particular

should vent air outdoors. If possible, put your

bathroom fan on its own timer switch so it can

keep removing moisture after you have turned

out the light.

DID YOU KNOW?

The moisture in home

humidifiers and

dehumidifiers can

support the growth of

mold and bacteria.

Keep them clean and

well maintained.

Plug Exterior Leaks

Both the interior and the exterior of your home

should be well caulked to prevent water from

entering, especially around windows and vents.

If you are building a new home, insist on a proven

waterproofing system, drain tile and vapor retarder

for the foundation.

Keep Rain Water Out

Direct runoff from your roof and yard away from

your foundation. Downspouts should be angled at

a five percent slope and should empty well away

from your foundation. Keep gutters and drains

in good repair.

Prevent Condensation

Insulation in wall cavities requires a properly

installed vapor barrier. This keeps moist interior

air away from cold surfaces where it could

condense and cause damage.

DID YOU KNOW?

Because tree roots can

channel surface water

toward your basement,

you should keep trees

and shrubs at least three

feet from the perimeter

of your home.

keep informed

Safe Surfaces

Water-damaged carpeting makes an ideal breeding

ground for mold and should be removed. Consider

replacing it with smooth surfaced flooring, such as

tile, wood or vinyl.

DID YOU KNOW?

In addition to

health problems,

excess moisture

can encourage mold

growth and cause

structural damage

to your home’s

walls, foundation

and exterior.

Dangerous Gases

Boilers, furnaces, stoves and fireplaces—anything

that burns wood, charcoal, fuel oil, or natural gas—

produce combustion pollutants. If not properly vented,

the gases produced can lead to health problems, from

headaches to breathing difficulties to death. Carbon

monoxide is the most dangerous, it is invisible,

odorless and potentially fatal, and may do harm

before symptoms are noticed.

Heaters Need Air

Kerosene space heaters and unvented gas heaters

are possible health hazards and should never be

used as a primary source of heat. Instead, install

sealed-combustion or power-vented heating

appliances. Because they exhaust directly to the

home’s exterior and have their own outside air supply,

there is no negative pressure drawing combustion

gases back into the house.

In Good Working Order

Keep furnaces, water heaters and gas ranges

in good working order with annual professional

checkups. Checks should include air intake and

exhaust system operation.

DID YOU KNOW?

Orange or sputtering

flames in a gas furnace

or stove can indicate

carbon monoxide

production. If cleaning

the device does not

eliminate the problem,

contact a qualified

service technician.

breathe freely

Fireplaces

Fireplaces should draw outside air into the

combustion chamber and have sealed glass doors;

wood-stove doors should close tightly. Check flues

and chimneys for blockage and cracks.

No Smoking

We all know that smoking is dangerous to the

smoker, but secondhand smoke is unhealthy for

anyone in the same indoor area. The best way to

avoid the effects

of cigarette smoke is to prohibit indoor smoking.

Watch for CO

Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can

originate from gas furnaces, space heaters, clogged

vents or chimneys, or a car running in a closed

garage. Protect yourself by installing a carbon

monoxide detector with a digital display and

checking it regularly. Never leave a car, lawnmower

or snowblower running in a closed garage.

DID YOU KNOW?

When burning wood in

a fireplace or wood

stove, you should keep

a room window cracked

open, especially in a

tightly sealed, energy-

efficient house.

This is only necessary

if your fireplace does

not have an outside

air intake.

Chemical Risks

Cleaning agents, paints, solvents and pesticides

can give off hazardous vapors, causing dizziness,

irritation, allergic reactions and severe health

problems. Even perfume, room deodorizer or

talcum powder can trigger respiratory reactions.

Check Your Furnishings

Sensitive individuals can be affected by the volatile

organic compounds (VOCs)—formaldehyde for

example - used in furniture manufacturing. Choose

furniture made of solid hardwood, rather than

veneered particleboard. Or seal particleboard

furniture with a no- or low-VOC finish. Gypsum

board, plaster or real wood are all safer choices

than plastic or wood-fiber wall paneling for

remodeling projects.

Control Lead

Woodwork in older homes is often coated with

dangerous lead-based paint. Wipe away peeling

paint chips with a damp rag to prevent ingestion

by children. Be aware that stripping or sanding may

release lead particles into the air. Consult an expert

regarding any large-scale removal project.

be safe

DID YOU KNOW?

Many paints release

trace amounts of

gases for months

after application.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mixing chlorine and

ammonia can produce

toxic fumes. Check

labels of cleaning

products carefully.

Choose Carefully

Do not assume that household products have been

tested for health effects. Use low-toxic cleaning

products whenever available, or consider natural

cleaners like lemon juice, boric acid, baking soda

and vinegar. Substitute pump products for aerosols,

which can contain chemicals that can be inhaled.

If possible, use no- or low-emission paints in living

areas and non-toxic adhesives or mechanical

fasteners for floor coverings.

Simple Precautions

Ventilation can reduce the impact of potentially

harmful chemicals. Dry-cleaned items may retain

solvent vapors, so air them out on an outdoor

clothesline before bringing them inside. Use

volatile materials such as wood glue or metal

cleaner outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage.

When stripping furniture indoors, look for products

that do not contain methylene chloride. Always follow

the manufacturer’s instructions before use.

Clear the Air

Because so many pollutants and allergens are

airborne, mechanical ventilation is a key component

in creating and maintaining a healthier home.

Ventilation provides a fresh source of outdoor air

for the home, creates positive indoor pressure for

combustion and dilutes indoor pollutants. Use

your air conditioner and keep windows and doors

closed to help prevent the entry of pollens and

other outdoor allergens into the home.

DID YOU KNOW?

Recyclables—

newspapers, plastics,

cans and bottles—can

be a source of vapors,

odors and bacteria.

Store them in a covered

area outdoors and

recycle frequently.

filter it out

Effective Vacuuming

Without proper filtration, vacuum cleaners can lift

dust and put it right back into the air. If your home

has dust problems, consider installing a central

vacuum system with the central receptacle outside

or in the garage. Vacuum cleaners with a Filtrete™

Filtration System are over 95% efficient at capturing

microparticles and help maximize the cleaner’s

suction, even as the bag fills.

breathe easierFor Cleaner Indoor Air

The typical 1-inch fiberglass furnace filter can capture

large particles from the air, but its primary function is

to protect the equipment and minimize the amount of

dust on the air conditioning coil.

To capture airborne contaminants and keep your

indoor air cleaner, use a high-efficiency pleated

furnace filter. Filtrete™ Air Cleaning Filters from

3M have electrostatically charged fibers that

act like tiny magnets to attract and capture up to

30 times more airborne contaminants than a typical

fiberglass filter.

Change your filter on a regular basis as

recommended by the manufacturer.

DID YOU KNOW?

99 percent of the

particles in your

indoor air are smaller

than one micron,

which is 70 times

smaller than the

diameter of a

human hair.

DID YOU KNOW?

Filtrete™ Filters

are up to 30 times

more efficient than

standard 1-inch

fiberglass filters

in capturing

microscopic

particles.

The Right Choice

The Filtrete™ family of filtration products includes

Filtrete™ Ultra Allergen Reduction Filters, Filtrete™

Micro Allergen Reduction Filters and Filtrete™ Dust

and Pollen Reduction Filters. Knowing which filter

to use and changing it regularly can go a long way

toward improving your indoor air quality.

Go to Filtrete.com, click on Filtrete advisor and fill

out the survey to help select the best filter for you

and your family.

Minimum 10% Post-Consumer Fiber

Filtrete, 3M, and the plaiddesign are trademarks of 3M. American LungAssociation Health House is a registered trademark of the American LungAssociation.

Printed in U.S.A. © 3M 2003 70-0710-7496-0

3Construction and Home ImprovementMarkets Division

3M Center,Building 223-4S-02St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 1 800 388-3458www.Filtrete.com

For more helpful tips on improving the air quality

in your home, the American Lung Association Health

House® program and 3M offer two additional booklets:

Tips for Healthier Home Remodeling and Tips for

Creating a Healthier Home for Kids.

All three booklets can be obtained free-of-charge by:

Sending an e-mail with your name and address to:

3mfiltrete@3mservice.montagenet.com

Or calling 1-800-388-3458.

FOR ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION

ON AIR QUALITY

AND RELATED

ISSUES, VISIT:

www.lungusa.org

www.healthhouse.org

www.filtrete.com

more helpful tips